Eclectic Vibes

by Andrew Frey

Reviews From: H
Delain - Human Contradiction

Delain - Human Contradiction

Delain
Human Contradiction
Label: Napalm Records

Still having a soft spot for female fronted symphonic metal, I was pleased to find that the Dutch band Delain’s newest delivers an ample amount of crashing metal attacks juxtaposed against delicate refrains and floating synth driven atmospheres. Charlotte Wessels demonstrates an emotional but not overpowering vocal approach, which propels their overall musical ferocity and gothic undertow to new heights and depths.

The Delain WebsiteThe Delain FacebookThe Delain Wiki

Liquid Bloom - Heart of the Shamans: Ceremonial Medicine Songs

Liquid Bloom - Heart of the Shamans: Ceremonial Medicine Songs

Liquid Bloom
Heart of the Shamans: Ceremonial Medicine Songs
Label: White Swan Records

Shamans have evolved over time and so has the ceremonial music they utilize. Liquid Bloom (aka Amani Friend (also part of Desert Dwellers) has produced a vivid sonic diorama imbued with a variety of global rhythms filled with expressive vocals and chants in plush natural atmospheres to evoke trance states for new awakenings and perspective changing visions. Blissful beauty anchored by traditional rhythms in a contemporary architecture.

Liquid Bloom Facebook

Trevor Hall - Kala

Trevor Hall - Kala

Trevor Hall
Kala
Label: Vanguard Records

Kala is the final installment in a trilogy of introspection and self discovery for Hall which began in earnest 2 years ago with a trip to India. This experience infused his already meta-minded acoustic rock with a wider sense of knowing and meditative bliss. Meaning “time” in Sanskrit, Kala unfolds and unwinds angles of ambiguity, fluidity and paradoxes based on time while offering rivers of healing sounds.

Trevor Hall WebsiteTrevor Hall FacebookTrevor Hall Wiki

Baroness - Purple

Baroness - Purple

Baroness
Purple
Label: Abraxan Hymns

They ascended to top of the metal heap with their masterpiece Yellow and Green, only to be thrust into temporary oblivion by a tragic bus accident, resulting in among other things fractured vertebrae and near limb amputation. This broke the band into pieces causing the loss of 2 members and a lot of momentum. Their return, Purple, finds their angst, wounds and determination woven into another tantalizing musical tapestry of intense emotion pounding and atmospheric groovy refrains while offering a home to two new members and their own record label. Wish the production was better. (8) yourbaroness.com

Baroness WebsiteBaroness FacebookBaroness Wiki

Globular - Holobiont

Globular - Holobiont

Globular
Holobiont
Label: https://globular.bandcamp.com/

Multiple layers of ethnically influenced electronic psychedelic exploration results in constant delights and discoveries even after numerous listens.  As for the title, a holobiont is defined as the host plus of all its microbial symbionts, including transient and stable members, which equates to us all being a holoboint on some level. But what does holoboint music sound like? Find out and be delighted!

Globular WebsiteGlobular Facebook

Hedflux - Soul Science

Hedflux - Soul Science

Hedflux
Soul Science
Label: Luminus Music

Although quantum physicists don’t usually drop out of their field to pursue their dream of becoming an award winning world renowned psychedelic DJ/producer, that’s the path that sound psyentis Headflux (aka Steve Young) has taken. Being immersed in electronic music for more that 2 decades has allowed him create this splendidly flowing 8 track offering, with each selection hovering in the 7 minute range and covering a wide range of territory, from liquid ambiance to contemplative tech-funk to mind probing psytrance.

Hedflux WebsiteHedflux Facebook

Helmet - Dead To The World

Helmet - Dead To The World

Helmet
Dead To The World
Label: earMusic

Helmet’s 8th studio album and their first in 7 years finds scene influencing band leader Page Hamilton and crew delivering fuzzy warm hypnotic riffs through a surprising variety of styles and approaches, while still managing to weave in signature counter-intuitive rhythmic approaches and combinations. Some of these experiments work better than others, but overall manage to deliver a solid release. How does this play out live? Find out on 12/15 at High Noon Saloon in Madison when they appear with openers Local H.

Helmet WebsiteHelmet FacebookHelmet Wiki

Dirty Heads - Swim Team

Dirty Heads - Swim Team

Dirty Heads
Swim Team
Label: Seven Five Records

Dirty Heads’ 6th album covers all the bases. Encompassing elements of reggae, hip hop, dubstep, pop, world and alternative while utilizing everything from bongos and banjos to classical piano and synthesizers, these 12 tracks play and experiment with the bands fame at every turn, both lyrically and metaphorically. Benefiting from a bevy of collaborators (Jonas Jeberg, Rome, Blueprint, Oren Yoel, HEAVY and The Score) this release is bound to make it’s mark thanks to experimental approaches and invigorating production.

Appearing live on 11/18 at Orpheum Theater in Madison, WI with The Unlikely Candidates and Tyrone’s Jacket.

Dirty Heads WebsiteDirty Heads FacebookDirty Heads Wiki

Heilung - Lifa

Heilung - Lifa

Heilung
Lifa
Label: Season of Mist

Neofolk can take on many forms, but few are as decorated and enthralling as the spectacle that is Heilung. Lifa was recorded live at Castlefest 2017 and is the auditory compliment to the truly transformative performance given there. Throat singing, drumming, chanting and exquisite attire create a compelling Viking visage and platform for this music and group as they transport you through time and space with their bleak ritualistic ambiance and spiritual drone.

 

Heilung WebsiteHeilung Facebook

Ninjula - Bass ‘n Honey

Ninjula - Bass ‘n Honey

Ninjula
Bass ‘n Honey
Label: Ragtime Records

Electro swing just keeps getting more exciting! From start to finish, these 6 explosive and super punchy tracks blast out zany breakbeats and wild groovey rhythms flavored full of vintage and big band era compensations with barely a moment to catch your breath. Get wound up in the hyper bass and glitch-hop your nights away to these edgy high octane tunes!

Ninjula WebsiteNinjula Facebook

Heilung - Futha

Heilung - Futha

Heilung
Futha
Label: Season of Mist

Heilung (German for ‘healing’) is known for their striking live performances, complete with leather, and bone outfits, and primitive often homemade instruments. They call their genre Amplified History, which brings the far ancient Northern European past into the present. The atmospheric, sometimes dark, yet delicate, undeniably intense, and primitive style of neo folk that this Danish group plays is sung (and chanted) in multiple Scandinavian languages, which gives it a primal power and
conviction deeper than experienced elsewhere. Authentic and truly unique!

Heilung WebsiteHeilung FacebookHeilung Wiki

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